Popes and Antipopes

Benedetto

Italian

"blessed"

This Italian form of Benedict sidesteps the Benedict Arnold association that still clouds the English version.

Boniface

Latin

"fortunate, of good fate"

A name borne by nine popes and several saints, which carries strong Catholic connotations. British politician Jacob Rees-Mogg named his sixth child Sixtus Dominic Boniface Christopher in 2017.

Clement

Latin

"mild, merciful"

Clement, the name of fourteen popes and several saints, has a pleasantly, positive, slightly antiquated feel, like the phrase "clement weather." Clement C. Moore wrote the poem "A Visit from St.…

Cletus

Greek

"called forth"

Sometimes used as a short-form of Catholic Pope name Anacletus, Cletus is an ancient name that has not-yet found the popularity of Theodore, Leo, Atticus and Max. It perhaps suffers from its…

Constantine

Latin

"steadfast"

This Roman Emperor's name may once have been considered too grand for a baby but in an era of children called Atticus, Augustine, Valentine, Caspian, Thaddeus, and Maximus, Constantine might just be…

Damasus

Damasus is a venerable masculine name with ancient roots, deriving from Greek origins. Most famously associated with two popes, including Saint Damasus I (366-384 AD), who was known for commissioning…

Dionysius

Greek mythology name

"god of Nysa"

Dionysius derives from Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, revelry and fertility. This Romanized spelling has been used for poets, soldiers, and saints throughout the centuries, but is hardly ever seen…